Building Character

I love to listen to Elder Richard G Scott speak. He is so good at carefully and clearly explaining gospel doctrines. A short time ago I read one of his talks in which he said:

“We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day… You become what you do and what you think about.”  ~Richard G Scott, Ensign, October 2010

I loved the concept of being able to influence what we become. As I thought about it I came up with the following:

We Are Who We Choose to Be

If we don’t forgive we become vengeful

But if we practice tolerance we become patient.

If we judge others we become suspicious.

But if we give praise we become appreciative.

If we are ill-mannered we become rude

But if we give acceptance we become loving.

If we live in fear we become apprehensive

But if we live in faith we become trusting.

If we seek fame and fortune we become greedy

But if we seek truth we become honest.

If we focus inwardly we become vain

But if we seek virtue we develop integrity.

If we think foul thoughts we become vulgar

But if we trust God and others we gain confidence.

If we resent Deity we become coarse, bitter and soiled

But if we seek God we value goodness, show tenderness, kindness and purity.

                        ~Susan Rice, 2011